On April 12 and 13 in Washington, DC, USA, leaders from 47 nations came together in a meeting hosted by US President Barack Obama to make steps toward a shared vision of a nuclear-free globe.

US President Barack Obama: While this summit is focused on securing nuclear materials, this is part of a larger effort — the comprehensive agenda that I outlined in Prague last year to pursue the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons. Indeed, in recent days we’ve made progress on every element of this agenda.

US Vice President Joseph Biden: Along with the START treaty signed with Russia last week, we’ve made clear that the reductions that are going to take place between our countries are going to be real, transparent, and legally binding.

US President Barack Obama: We have the opportunity, as partners, to ensure that our progress is not a fleeting moment, but part of a serious and sustained effort.  And that’s why I am so pleased to announce that President Lee has agreed to host the next Nuclear Security Summit in the Republic of Korea in two years.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak:Thank you for calling us, for supporting Korea to host next summit in 2012. I assure you I will do best to make this summit a success.  So I hope to see all of you in Korea.  Thank you.

As President Obama encouraged all nations to sign the Nuclear Non Proliferation treaty, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Morocco also called for a nuclear-free Middle East.

Meanwhile, US and Russian negotiators agreed to be rid of weapon-grade plutonium by 2018, while other countries pledged similar measures individually or in collaboration with one another to ensure that nuclear components are used for peaceful means and not to harm.

On Tuesday, April 13, attendees arrived at a consensus agreement on a communiqué that pledges better stewardship and national security for nuclear weapon components.

The agreement also seeks the commitment of individual states in ratifying nuclear conventions set forth by the United Nations, as well as allowing the UN International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect sites where nuclear material is stored.

At the summit’s conclusion, President Obama thanked all the participants as he commended the progress made through their unanimous agreement on the communiqué. 

Our respectful appreciation, Your Excellency, global leaders and all participants for these noble initiatives of peace. Wishing all nations continued progress as we step toward the goal of a fully harmonious world.  

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/13/barack-obama-nuclear-summit
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/04/13/enormously-productive-day
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/world/morocco_calls_for_mi/view
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-04/14/c_13250057.htm
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/13/obama.hu.nuclear.meeting/index.html?hpt=T1